Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Definition

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. Persons with the disease have too few platelets in the blood.

Alternative Names

Causes

ITP occurs when certain immune system cells produce antibodies against platelets. Platelets help your blood clot by clumping together to plug small holes in damaged blood vessels.

The antibodies attach to the platelets. The spleen destroys the platelets that carry the antibodies.

In children, the disease sometimes follows a viral infection. In adults, it is more often a chronic (long-term) disease and can occur after a viral infection, with use of certain drugs, during pregnancy, or as part of an immune disorder.

ITP affects women more often than men, and is more common in children than adults. The disease affects boys and girls equally.

Symptoms

ITP symptoms can include any of the following:

Abnormally heavy menstruation

Bleeding into the skin, often around the shins, causing a skin rash that looks like pinpoint red spots (petechial rash)

Easy bruising

Nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth

Exams and Tests

Laboratory tests will be done to see how well your blood clots and to check your platelet count.

Treatment

In children, the disease usually goes away without treatment. Some children may need treatment.

Adults are usually started on an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine called prednisone. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) is recommended. This increases the platelet count in about half of patients. However, other drug treatments are usually recommended instead.

If the disease does not get better with prednisone, other treatments may include:

Medicine called danazol (Danocrine) taken by mouth

Infusions of high-dose gamma globulin (an immune factor)

Drugs that suppress the immune system

Anti-RhD therapy for people with certain blood types

Drugs that stimulate the bone marrow to make more platelets

People with ITP should not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or warfarin, because these drugs interfere with platelet function or blood clotting, and bleeding may occur.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, the chance of remission (a symptom-free period) is good. In rare cases, ITP may become a long-term condition in adults and reappear, even after a symptom-free period.

Possible Complications

Sudden and severe loss of blood from the digestive tract may occur. Bleeding into the brain may also occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if severe bleeding occurs, or if other new symptoms develop.

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